Matthew 12:24

But when the Pharisees heard [it], they said, This [fellow] doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.

But {G1161} when the Pharisees {G5330} heard {G191} it, they said {G2036}, This {G3778} fellow doth {G1544} not {G3756} cast out {G1544} devils {G1140}, but {G1508} by {G1722} Beelzebub {G954} the prince {G758} of the devils {G1140}.

But when the P'rushim heard of it, they said, "It is only by Ba`al-Zibbul" -- the ruler of the demons -- "that this man drives out demons."

But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “Only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, does this man drive out demons.”

But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This man doth not cast out demons, but by Beelzebub the prince of the demons.

Commentary

Matthew 12:24 records a critical moment of escalating opposition against Jesus. Following a powerful miracle where Jesus healed a man who was blind, mute, and demon-possessed, the crowds were astonished and began to question if Jesus might be the Messiah. However, the Pharisees, consistently hostile to Jesus's ministry, offered a very different, and deeply offensive, interpretation.

Context

Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus had demonstrated undeniable divine power by completely restoring a man afflicted by a devil. The sheer impact of the miracle led many to wonder if Jesus was indeed the "Son of David" (the Messiah). Unable to refute the miracle itself, the Pharisees resorted to a desperate and malicious accusation. Instead of acknowledging God's hand, they accused Jesus of being in league with the very forces of evil He was casting out, thereby attempting to undermine His authority and discredit His work in the eyes of the people.

Key Themes

  • Blasphemous Accusation: The central theme is the Pharisees' shocking accusation that Jesus performed miracles by the power of Beelzebub, the chief of demons. This was not merely a misunderstanding but a deliberate, hostile misrepresentation of divine power as demonic.
  • Spiritual Blindness and Opposition: The Pharisees' reaction vividly illustrates their profound spiritual blindness and hardened hearts. Despite undeniable evidence of God's work, their envy and commitment to their own authority led them to reject Jesus outright and attribute His good deeds to evil.
  • The Source of Power: This accusation directly challenges the source of Jesus's authority and power. It sets the stage for Jesus's subsequent discourse on the logical absurdity of Satan casting out Satan, and His stern warning against blasphemy against the Holy Ghost.

Linguistic Insights

The name Beelzebub (sometimes Beelzebul) is highly significant. It is likely a derogatory adaptation of "Baal-zebub," the god of Ekron mentioned in 2 Kings 1:2. While "Baal-zebub" might mean "Lord of Flies," in the New Testament context, Beelzebub was commonly understood as a chief demon, or even another name for Satan himself, signifying "Lord of the dwelling" or "Lord of the high dwelling" (referring to a demonic prince). By calling Him one who casts out devils "by Beelzebub the prince of the devils," the Pharisees were asserting that Jesus was an agent of the highest demonic power, making His actions utterly evil.

Related Scriptures

The accusation of Jesus casting out demons by Beelzebub is a pivotal moment also recorded in the other Synoptic Gospels, highlighting its importance: Mark 3:22 and Luke 11:15. Jesus's powerful and logical rebuttal to this specific charge, where He explains that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand, can be found immediately following this verse in Matthew 12:25-27.

Practical Application

Matthew 12:24 serves as a stark reminder that even the clearest manifestations of God's power and goodness can be willfully misinterpreted or slandered by those with closed hearts or vested interests. It challenges us to examine our own biases and ensure we are not quick to condemn or attribute evil motives to genuine good works, especially when they challenge our comfort zones or established norms. This passage underscores the danger of spiritual pride and the importance of having a humble, discerning heart that is open to recognizing and celebrating God's activity, regardless of the vessel or method.

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Cross-References

  • Mark 3:22 (8 votes)

    ¶ And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.

  • Matthew 9:34 (7 votes)

    But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.

  • Luke 11:15 (4 votes)

    But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils.